by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Jonathan Sowah, the promising Ghanaian striker, is on the cusp of a major transfer to Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars SC. Al Nasr Benghazi, the Libyan club that has held his contract since January 2024, has agreed to a reported transfer fee of $220,000, paving the way for Sowah’s move.
The deal was confirmed by reputable African football journalist Micky Jnr, who reported that all personal terms have been agreed upon. Once the Tanzanian transfer window opens in the second week of December, Sowah, 24, will officially join Singida Black Stars, adding his talent to a growing roster of Ghanaian players, including Emmanuel Keyekeh.
Sowah’s impressive form at Al Nasr earned him recognition on the continental stage. During his stint in the CAF Champions League, he demonstrated his prowess even though his team ultimately fell short of the title, losing to Egypt’s Al Ahly. Prior to that, Sowah made his mark in the Ghana Premier League, where he played a pivotal role in Medeama’s title-winning campaign during the 2022-2023 season, scoring 12 goals and providing one assist in 20 appearances. His performances earned him a call-up to the Black Stars for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations under then-head coach Chris Hughton.
Now, Sowah is looking forward to a new chapter in Tanzania with Singida Black Stars, where he is expected to be an influential figure as the club continues to strengthen its squad with West African talent.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
In an inspiring message to Ghanaian fans, Black Stars defender Abdul Baba Rahman has expressed strong confidence in the national team’s potential to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Currently playing for Greek club PAOK, the experienced left-back believes that, despite recent struggles, Ghana is on the right track to secure a place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States for the prestigious tournament.
After a rocky start to the qualifiers, Ghana has shown resilience, securing two important wins against Mali and the Central African Republic, which have lifted them to 2nd place in Group I. Speaking to BBC Africa, Rahman shared his optimism, noting that the Black Stars’ blend of young, talented players and experienced veterans creates a promising outlook.
“I honestly think the guys have been a bit unlucky recently,” Rahman reflected. “We [Ghana] have some really, really exciting young players in terms of what they can do on the ball and off the ball. We have good prospects too. I still have confidence in them.”
Having represented Ghana in the 2022 World Cup, Rahman is hopeful for another chance on the world stage. For him, playing in North America in 2026 would be a dream come true.
“Of course, I think about playing in another World Cup, and I think Ghana is on the right path to qualify,” he added.
Ghana’s World Cup journey will continue in March 2025 with key matches against Chad and Madagascar. However, the Black Stars will shift focus first to their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, facing Angola in Luanda and Niger at home, as they look to build momentum ahead of their World Cup campaign.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
With Nigeria’s quest to secure Africa Cup of Nations qualification on the line, the Super Eagles are primed to take on Benin Republic in a critical 2025 AFCON qualifier. Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has crafted a solid lineup, blending experienced players with promising talent to maximize the team’s attacking potential.
The predicted XI for this must-win encounter reveals a 3-4-3 formation, showcasing Nigeria’s depth in attack and balance across the pitch.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is expected to anchor the defense, his recent performances at Chippa United making him the go-to choice between the posts. As Nigeria’s trusted last line of defense, he brings a steady presence in goal.
In defense, captain William Troost-Ekong is set to lead alongside Gabriel Osho, who is anticipated to make his debut. Calvin Bassey, the Fulham defender known for his forward runs, rounds out the three-man defensive setup, adding resilience and width to the back line.
The midfield will likely see Boavista’s Bruno Onyemaechi and Nottingham Forest’s Olaoluwa Aina operating on the flanks, both players known for their ability to move up the pitch and support offensive play. The experienced Wilfred Ndidi will be a key presence in defensive midfield, while Alex Iwobi will take on an advanced role, linking play from the middle to the attack.
Upfront, Nigeria’s attack will feature speed and creativity with Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze on the wings. Leading the line is the in-form Victor Osimhen, on loan at Galatasaray, who will be pivotal in unlocking Benin’s defense and adding to his goal tally.
Predicted Super Eagles Starting XI Against Benin Republic
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Gabriel Osho, Calvin Bassey
Midfielders: Olaoluwa Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Bruno Onyemaechi
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman
With this lineup, Nigeria looks to secure the victory that will cement their place in the 2025 AFCON tournament.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman continues to shine on the global stage as he secures a nomination for the prestigious 2024 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai. The 27-year-old is among an elite group of nominees that includes legendary figures Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as Premier League stars like Bukayo Saka of Arsenal and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.
Lookman’s remarkable season with Atalanta has propelled him into the Best Men’s Player category, where he stands shoulder to shoulder with other global stars like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Mohamed Salah. Notably, Lookman is the only African player shortlisted for the award, highlighting his extraordinary impact in both European club football and international duty for Nigeria.
Atalanta’s stunning UEFA Europa League triumph saw Lookman lead from the front, netting a memorable hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen to secure a historic title for the Italian club. Lookman’s record-breaking 17 goals and 11 assists also marked the highest goal involvement for a single player in Serie A this year.
For Nigeria, Lookman has been equally influential. His six goals in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations guided the Super Eagles to the final, and he currently tops Nigeria’s scoring chart in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers with two goals.
Ranked 14th in the Ballon d’Or race this year, Lookman is also in contention for African Men’s Footballer of the Year, where he’ll vie with fellow Nigerian star William Troost-Ekong and other African luminaries.
Now in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Lookman and the Super Eagles squad are preparing for an upcoming AFCON qualifying match against Benin Republic. The Globe Soccer Awards, organized by the Dubai Sports Council, will be held on December 27, a highly anticipated date where the best in football will gather.
2024 Globe Soccer Best Men’s Player Nominees
1. Nicolò Barella
2. Jude Bellingham
3. Hakan Çalhanoğlu
4. Dani Carvajal
5. Artem Dovbyk
6. Phil Foden
7. Antoine Griezmann
8. Alejandro Grimaldo
9. Viktor Gyökeres
10. Erling Haaland
11. Harry Kane
12. Toni Kroos
13. Robert Lewandowski
14. Ademola Lookman
15. Emiliano Martínez
16. Lautaro Martínez
17. Kylian Mbappé
18. Lionel Messi
19. Dani Olmo
20. Cole Palmer
21. Rodrigo
22. Rodrygo
23. Cristiano Ronaldo
24. Bukayo Saka
25. Mohamed Salah
26. William Saliba
27. Federico Valverde
28. Vinicius Júnior
29. Vitinha
30. Nico Williams
31. Florian Wirtz
32. Granit Xhaka
33. Lamine Yamal
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
As the Super Eagles gear up to face the Republic of Benin at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in a crucial 2025 AFCON qualifier, Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi leads the Nigerian squad in international appearances. With 82 caps, Iwobi holds the highest experience in the team, surpassing defenders William Troost-Ekong and winger Moses Simon, who each have 74 appearances.
Iwobi, who debuted with the Super Eagles in 2015 under former head coach Sunday Oliseh, has consistently added to his caps, now emerging as the most experienced member of the current squad. His impressive run with Nigeria is notable, given that Troost-Ekong and Simon were long considered some of the team’s most dependable figures.
In addition to Iwobi, other experienced players in the lineup include Wilfred Ndidi with 60 caps, Ola Aina with 43, and Victor Osimhen with 37. Meanwhile, relatively new players such as Stanley Nwabali, Ademola Lookman, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Calvin Bassey add fresh energy to the roster.
As Nigeria seeks all three points to bolster their AFCON 2025 qualification chances, Iwobi’s presence and experience are expected to be instrumental in the team’s push for success in Morocco.
